Newcastle University found itself in the midst of controversy after one of its senior history lecturers spoke at an anti-monarchy rally and told the crowds that Princess Eugenie had only been offered a place at the school when officials learned who she was.

“We are entirely satisfied that Princess Eugenie met the high academic standards required for admission to Newcastle University and to suggest this was not the case is simply not true,” said Vice Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, Chris Day, in a statement to Sun Online.

“The application was handled appropriately via UCAS as is the case with all our students.”

Earlier in the week, a Newcastle University professor, Dr Martin Farr, told an anti-monarchist crowd that Princess Eugenie had not earned a place at the school on merit.

“A friend of mine who is Italian was the admissions officer for BA English literature and received one application for the undergraduate degree that was not good enough and so discarded it,” Dr Farr is reported to have said.

“Apparently the university was horrified that [Princess Eugenie] had been rejected before she was offered a place with us for another degree.”

Day said, “Every student, irrespective of his or her background, has a right to privacy. Dr Martin Farr and the University apologise unreservedly for the distress caused to HRH.”

Newcastle University released an initial statement, saying “The university will not comment on an individual student’s position as this information is confidential…In general, however, if an applicant does not have the actual or predicted grades to meet the requirements for a particular programme, it is possible for them to be considered for alternative options.”

Princess Eugenie has not spoken publicly about this matter. She graduated from Newcastle University in 2012 with a combined BA honours degree in English literature.